Brook Lopez is one of the most underrated players in the NBA right now. Offensively, he has not lost a step from his Stanford days. Defensively, Lopez has improved tremendously. His shotblocking, something that wasn't really there in College, is extremely impressive.

The New Jersey Nets aren't exactly the best team in the East, but they have the players to compete.

Devin Harris, of course, has been a star this year. He is scoring in bunches, and playing alongside a star named Vince Carter can't hurt...

Speaking of, Carter has been tremendous this year. Unlike last year, it looks like VC is playing with some emotion. Also, he's playing a bit better defensively. Explosiveness is still there.

Obviously the Nets are inconsistent, but so are the rest of the playoff teams in the East. Truth be told, every team in the East is inconsistent.

If this team gets hot at the right time, they could make some noise. It will be tough, but I truly believe the Nets can start winning consistently- and make the postseason.

It will take 110% effort from all of the players, though. Unfortunately, that will be the hardest part to execute.

Throughout the course of the NBA season, I've decided to do Rookie Rankings, where I rank the top ten rookies in the NBA. I really have no comments on the rankings, seeing as they have not played yet. However, I will add comments as the season progresses.

I will be surprised if Rose does not maintain a top three spot throughout the season. He is a great scorer, solid defender, tenacious competitior, and so much more. The Bulls made the right choice with this pick.

Mayo is solid on both sides of the ball. Not much else to say. The Timberwovles were stupid to trade him. The Grizzlies were lucky to get him. I think the Grizzlies made a very, very good trade, and I highly doubt they will regret it.

Another guy who needs to work on defense, but if he does, he should be a threat to watch out for. You have to love his offensive game. If the Nets had kept Richard Jefferson, they would've been serious contenders.

Greg Oden, C, Portland Trailblazers

Seeing as he missed all of last season, Oden is still considered a rookie. All teams should beware of a fit, healthy Oden. I think he has a big chance to catch some other teams off guard with his dominant play. He won't disappoint.

Jerryd Bayless, PG, Portland Trailblazers

Whether he plays the point or the two-guard, he'll find ways to score. Playing alongisde youngsters such as Greg Oden and Brandon Roy can't hurt... I think Portland made a good trade by getting Bayless, although Rush is no fake.

Another high scoring guard. He was a huge threat for Indiana in college, and I see him having a successful career in the NBA as well. However, I think he would play better at a different team than the Clippers.

After watching him at Kansas, I can tell you that Rush is going to be a great role player in the NBA. He won't put up many points, but his presence will benefit the Pacers tremendously. He is very balanced, and can play the two or three.

The Heat need a PG even though Chris Quinn has shown flashes of being able to lead them. Derrick Rose can do it all, and the Heat will benefit tremendously by taking a productive point guard. A lineup consisting of Rose, Wade, Marion, Haslem and Blount could be dangerous next season.

A fierce double-double machine that will give you 20 and 10 on an off night. His presence on the Sonics alongside Kevin Durant will make the Sonics a surprise darkhorse team to watch out for next season.

With the loss of Pau Gasol, the Grizzlies need a big man to take over the role. Lopez has great offensive potential, and with a slight upgrade to his defense, will be a force to be reckoned with very soon. This is a young team that could be really good in the East.

Point guard is the main position the Knicks need to be worried about in the draft. With Rose gone by now, Bayless is the obvious best point guard still on the board. Also, a backcourt combination of Bayless and Jamal Crawford could be deadly.

Mayo has tremendous upside...but also tremendous downside and could fall lower, although this is not a bad spot for him to go. The shooting guards that the Clippers have now aren't getting the job done, and Mayo could be the answer. (Minus the issues he has going on right now.)

I don't think this is too early for Randolph to go. The Bucks could use Randolph in the future if not now. I think he will be able to start, but if not, he should have a decent season off the bench. I don't see Bobby Simmons or Desmond Mason doing enough right now for the Bucks.

A big man next to Emeka Okafor will give the Bobcats a young, strong frountcourt that will keep the Bobcats in possible playoff contention a couple of years down the road. Many critics say that Love can't adapt to the NBA-style of play, but I think he can do well. Not great, but enough to silence the critics.

Hibbert's offensive abilities aren't superb, maybe, but his defensive presence inside will give the Nets a great big body that can help shut down some of the big men in the East. There is a lot of risk that goes with this pick, but I think it's the right one because I believe Hibbert is a major sleeper pick who can help out a lot of teams with his 7'2 frame.